Shell began life in Kenya in 1900 with operations in Mombasa and Zanzibar. The operation started with illuminating kerosene as the only product being sold in bulk. At this point, petrol was being imported in drums then decanted into tins for distribution. Prior to this, Smith Mackenzie and Co. Ltd had been acting agents for Shell while Gibson & Co. did the same for BP. In 1928, the consolidated Petroleum Company was formed to handle joint operations and products of Shell and BP in several countries in Asia and Africa. In 1961 however, the consolidated arrangement was dissolved and operations taken over by newly formed companies namely, Kenya Shell Ltd and BP Kenya Ltd on a 50/50 ownership under the management of Kenya Shell Ltd. Over the years, the alliance has attained exemplary performance, investing in over 131 retail service stations, some with convenient stores. This is more than any of the major competitors in the country. In the commercial channel, Kenya Shell Ltd, is the leading supplier in the country's manufacturing and agricultural sector. In reseller channel, the company is the leading distributor of lubricants and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The company is also a leading supplier of aviation fuels, marine fuels and oils as well as bitumen products in Kenya. Today, Kenya Shell Ltd owns two large terminals in Mombasa and Nairobi as well as a depot in Kisumu. It posses aviation sites at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport Mombasa, Wilson Airport, Moi Air Base Eastleigh, Malindi Airport, Kisumu Airport and Eldoret Airport. it also owns an oil blending plant in Mombasa. Kenya Shell Ltd serves various classes of markets which include retail, lubricants, aviation, LPG, Bitumen and enjoys an impressive market share of 22%. In forms of workforce, Kenya Shell Ltd has 307 employees inclusive of both permanent and contracted staff.
|
